Connecting the Dots: Streamlining Offline Data Collection in Remote Areas

Business Opportunity

Offline Data Collection App

The client has established itself as a leading brand in India among lead-acid storage battery manufacturers for over seventy years, renowned for its reliability and strong market presence. The company emphasizes innovation, has strategic partnerships, and continuously advances its technology in the industry for both automotive and industrial applications. It serves the domestic market and also exports to niche markets in Southeast Asia and Europe. 

To reach their customer base in the rural regions, the company regularly sends Customer Relationship Representatives (CRR), who are tasked with servicing existing clients, generating new leads, and onboarding new ones. The company was looking for a data aggregator platform that would enable them to collect data in remote locations with low connectivity, streamlining their data collection process and modernizing their approach. 

We built a state-of-the-art application that allows CRRs to update and upload data in near real-time while on the go. The application also features a verification process for newly onboarded customers that does not require OTPs or an internet connection. The application is GPS-enabled, allowing CRRs to update the exact location of unmapped or new villages and also enabling the admins to ensure accountability and transparency in the CRRs’ work. The whole application development process, from discovery to launch was accelerated to meet client deadlines, delivering the app within a month.

The Challenge

Given the remote nature of rural villages, the client’s existing process of data collection and customer service was cumbersome and time-consuming. CRRs were sent on planned visits to remote locations with no or limited network connectivity, where they would do health checks on the client’s products with existing customers, onboard new users, and generate new leads – Collecting data that would then be processed by the closest dealer for perusal. 

As data is collected manually and shared only after a visit, there is no real-time access to vital information about customer needs or product performance. Dealers may miss opportunities to cross-sell or upsell and can’t track customer issues immediately. The delay in passing information to the dealer means new leads are not processed promptly, which could result in losing potential sales if competitors engage with these leads sooner. 

With multiple steps in the process—from data collection by CRRs to data review by dealers—accountability issues may arise. Without a centralized, real-time system, it becomes difficult to track who is responsible for delays or inaccuracies, reducing overall transparency and accountability.

Our Solution

We built a mobile application that allows CRRs to update data in near real-time on their in-person visits. This application was built to perform online as well as offline, allowing CRRs to use the application in low-network areas. The application allowed the CRRs to update the health status of products in use by existing clients, generate new leads and opportunities for cross-selling and upselling, and also onboard new customers. 

The application allowed dealers to access these data in near real-time, streamlining the process and ensuring faster TAT on product and customer service.  Also, with the app, CRRs are able to record data during customer visits and then synchronize this information once a connection is available, ensuring no data loss or delays in updates. 

The application also has an in-built verification process that allows the CRR to verify new customers via a phone call, circumventing the need for OTPs and functioning without any internet connection. Exide dealers in a particular village are immediately notified through SMS when a CRR enters the details of a customer in that village who needs a new or replacement battery.

Benefits of Developing Apps with Niveus

Seamless Functionality: Niveus specializes in building applications with robust capabilities, ensuring that data collection, processing, and synchronization work efficiently, regardless of counterproductive circumstances.

Customized Solutions Aligned with Business Needs: Niveus tailors its application development services to align with specific client goals, be it enhanced cross-selling opportunities, streamlined customer data collection, or brand tracking. This ensures that each app is a strategic tool for achieving business objectives and enhancing operational efficiency.

Enhanced Data Management and Near Real-Time Syncing: Our apps enable near real-time data syncing and centralized management, allowing field teams to collect and store customer data efficiently. This enhances accountability, data accuracy, and responsiveness, as information is updated and shared with central systems immediately when a connection becomes available.

User-Centric Design and Ease of Use: Niveus focuses on creating intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that require minimal training for on-the-go users. 

Advanced Analytics for Better Decision-Making: Niveus integrates powerful analytics tools into apps to help businesses monitor customer preferences, brand usage patterns, and regional market trends. These insights enable informed decision-making, targeted sales strategies, and proactive customer service enhancements.

Scalability and Future-Readiness: Niveus designs apps with scalability in mind, allowing your solution to grow alongside your business needs. Our tech stack and architecture choices ensure the app can handle an increasing customer base, additional features, and expanding geographical coverage seamlessly.

Secure and Compliant Data Management: We prioritize security and compliance, implementing strict data protection measures to safeguard customer information. Niveus ensures that all apps adhere to data privacy regulations, enhancing customer trust and minimizing risks associated with data handling.

Results

Lightweight, Error-Free Mobile Application: Niveus delivered a lightweight, stable mobile app that performed seamlessly with zero crashes and no errors, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted operations for CRRs even in remote areas. 

Accelerated Delivery: The customer had scheduled an app launch event slated to be held in a month’s time. We accelerated the solution development and delivery process to meet the customer’s restricted timelines. 

Zero Server Running Costs: The app architecture eliminated the need for continuous server operations, significantly reducing ongoing maintenance expenses and enabling cost-effective deployment.

No Cost for Storage and Database: By leveraging efficient local storage solutions and cloud-based synchronization, the client incurred no additional costs for data storage or database management, lowering total ownership costs.

Automated Daily Report Generation: The app-enabled automated daily reports, providing instant access to key operational insights without manual intervention. This feature streamlined reporting and enhanced data visibility for better decision-making.

Overall Operational Efficiency Improvement: With streamlined data collection, faster customer onboarding, and simplified workflows, the app significantly improved overall operational efficiency, saving time and resources.

Increased CSAT Scores: The enhanced app experience, quick issue resolution, and timely responses contributed to improved Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) scores, reflecting a higher level of customer satisfaction.

Enhanced Customer Lifecycle Value: By facilitating better service and enabling cross-selling opportunities, the app boosted customer lifecycle value, strengthening long-term customer relationships.

Additional Projects Secured from Client: The success of this app led to positive client feedback and new business opportunities, with the client awarding Niveus additional projects due to their demonstrated expertise and results.
Improved Conversions: Since Exide dealers are immediately notified through SMS when a customer needs a battery, this enables dealers to quickly complete their needs, ensuring better conversions.

Power of Partnership

Partners like Niveus bring industry expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to long-term success. With tailored solutions across sectors, Niveus empowers clients to leverage AI, cloud, and API modernization, ensuring scalable, innovative tech for optimized operations. Their end-to-end support—from consultation to maintenance—guarantees smooth integration and cost efficiency. Niveus solutions work seamlessly with existing systems, enhancing customer satisfaction and driving ROI while prioritizing data security and compliance. With a proven track record and dedication to long-term partnerships, Niveus acts as a strategic ally, helping clients unlock new opportunities and stay competitive in a fast-evolving market.